The Best Daycare Centers in Garland, TX
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Garland. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Garland
Primrose School of North Garland
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of North Garland offers a balanced learning approach combining purposeful play with nurturing guidance. Their exclusive Balanced Learning® curriculum focuses on academic, creative, physical, and social-emotional development. Features include accredited early education programs, low student-teacher ratios, highly qualified teachers with early childhood credentials, secure entry systems, and daily parent communication. The facility includes age-appropriate classrooms, outdoor playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers for art, music, and STEM activities.
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The Goddard School of Garland
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Garland provides a play-based learning environment with F.L.EX.® (Fun Learning Experience) program that promotes academic, social, and emotional growth. Features include state-licensed teachers with early childhood education degrees, comprehensive safety protocols including secured entry and surveillance, daily developmental updates through parent communication app, and modern facilities with indoor gym and outdoor play areas. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences.
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The Gardner School of Plano
The Gardner School
Located in nearby Plano but serving the Garland area, The Gardner School offers an academically focused early childhood program with advanced curriculum including foreign language, technology, and STEM enrichment. Features include degreed teachers, low student-teacher ratios, secure keypad entry systems, live streaming video access for parents, and modern facilities with dedicated art studio, music room, and indoor playground. The comprehensive program includes extracurricular activities and focuses on school readiness through structured learning experiences and individualized attention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Garland, TX
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare for an infant or toddler in Garland, TX?
In Garland, the cost of full-time daycare varies based on the type of facility and the child's age. For licensed daycare centers, infant care (6 weeks to 18 months) typically ranges from $800 to $1,200 per month. Toddler care (18 months to 3 years) is slightly less, averaging $700 to $1,000 per month. Home-based daycare (licensed family homes) often offers more affordable rates, generally between $600 and $900 per month for full-time care. Prices can be higher for centers with specialized curricula or extended hours. It's important to note that costs in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Garland, have been rising, so early budgeting and inquiring about any available subsidies or sibling discounts is recommended.
How do I verify a daycare's license and inspection history in Garland, Texas?
All childcare providers in Texas must be licensed or registered with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). To verify a facility in Garland, you can use the official "Texas Child Care Search" tool online. This database allows you to search by provider name, city, or zip code (e.g., 75040, 75041, 75042, 75043, 75044) and view their current license status, capacity, and any reported violations or deficiencies from state inspections. You can also see the date of their last inspection. For the most thorough check, you can contact the HHSC Child Care Licensing office for the North Texas region directly. Always confirm the license is current and review any inspection reports before enrolling your child.
Are there long waitlists for daycare centers in Garland, and how can I secure a spot?
Yes, waitlists are common for many highly-rated daycare centers and preschools in Garland, especially for infant rooms. Popular centers in neighborhoods like Firewheel, Lakeview, or near major employers may have waitlists of 3 to 9 months. To secure a spot, it's advisable to begin your search and make inquiries during your second trimester if expecting. When touring facilities, ask specifically about their waitlist process: if there's a fee to join, how often they update parents, and if they offer guaranteed enrollment for siblings of current students. Also consider expanding your search to include reputable licensed home daycares, which may have more immediate availability.
What are the key differences between a daycare center and a licensed home daycare in Garland?
The main differences lie in setting, scale, and regulations. Daycare centers in Garland are commercial facilities with multiple classrooms and staff, often following a structured educational curriculum. They are licensed for larger groups (e.g., 12+ infants) and may offer amenities like commercial kitchens and playgrounds. Licensed home daycares operate out of the provider's residence, are licensed for up to 12 children (including the provider's own), and often provide a more home-like, mixed-age setting. Both are regulated by Texas HHSC, but homes have different ratios (e.g., for children under 2, one caregiver to four children in a home vs. one to five in a center). Homes may offer more flexible hours but might have limited backup care if the provider is ill.
Does the City of Garland or local organizations offer any childcare assistance or resource programs for parents?
While the City of Garland's Parks and Recreation Department offers preschool and after-school programs at community centers, for direct financial assistance, parents typically apply through state and federal programs. The primary resource is the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Child Care Services program, which provides subsidies to eligible low-income families in Garland who are working, attending school, or in job training. Additionally, organizations like ChildCareGroup and the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas offer resources and referrals. For school-age children, the Garland Independent School District (GISD) operates several after-school programs. It's best to contact the TWC or 211 Texas for the most current eligibility information and application process.